Aspiring female footballers will have the chance to audition for a spot in the inaugural Cats women's side at an upcoming talent ID day.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 12 at Deakin University's Elite Sports Precinct at Waurn Ponds.

I haven’t played Australian Rules footy before, but I am interested. Should I register?
Absolutely. You should apply to participate and test at the Talent ID Day if you are interested in playing in 2017 and beyond. We are interested to see the athletic ability and attributes of women who have played or currently play Aussie Rules, but we are interested in seeing other athletes from sports like basketball, netball, soccer and athletics who are passionate about playing footy.

Is there an age limit for participants?
Yes there is. Females who are 16 years, at 31 December 2016 are able to register and test. We will work closely with the Geelong Falcons to provide opportunities for females who qualify for Youth Girls Academies.

What is included with my Talent ID Day registration?
Payment of the registration fee for $25 enables each participant to receive a special 2017 Geelong Womens VFL Pre Season Training Singlet by Cotton On Active range and entry to the Talent ID Day to test with coaches from the Geelong Cats Football Club. Following the event you will receive testing data via email. Then you may be selected for a place in the Pre-Season Squad for the inaugural Geelong Cats VFL Women’s team!
Your registration information will also be provided to AFL Barwon and the Geelong Falcons (subject to age), so that you can be informed of other Womens Football opportunities in the region.
On the day there will be many football representatives in attendance to provide information on how to become involved in women's football.

What do I do if the registrations are full or I cannot attend on 12/11, but I am interested?
Unfortunately we only have limited places available for testing at the Talent ID Day - so get in fast. For 2016 this is the only Talent ID Day we are able to facilitate. BUT if you cannot attend the day or registrations are full – we would still love to hear about your interest – so please email vflwomens@geelongcats.com.au.

What do I bring? What do I wear?
You should wear comfortable sports wear: runners (not football boots), socks, sports leggings or sports shorts, sports singlet or tee. You will be provided with a singlet. However, sizes are limited, so we suggest that you bring some appropriate sportswear with you. Please bring sunscreen. Hydration will be provided, but you may wish to bring your own water bottle. In terms of food, there will be a BBQ at the event, but you may wish to bring your own food/snacks.

What does the testing involve?
You should have a good level of athletic ability to be able to participate in the testing scenarios.
There will be a variety of combine styles tests run by Cats coaches, including:
20m sprint test
Vertical jump test
Agility test
2km time trial
General football skills tests.

Registration
Please make sure you arrive with plenty of time to get to the registration tent, so you are relaxed and ready to participate. Registrations will open approx. 1 hour before Testing commences. There will be 2 registration sessions – a morning and an afternoon session - subject to your designated testing group. Your group for testing will be notified during the week of the event.

Can spectators (friends and family) attend the Talent ID Day and watch from the side lines?
Absolutely.

What if I cannot attend on the day? Am I able to receive a refund?
Unfortunately, we cannot issue refunds when the event goes ahead. The logistics of setting up and planning the event make it very difficult. Just make sure you are good to go before signing up. If for some reason you can’t make it to Talent ID day, please email vflwomens@geelongcats.com.au so that we are aware that you will not be attending.

Can I take photos or film at the event?
The Talent ID Day is a serious athletic testing environment, but we understand that it is a great event to be part of and you may wish to get great some shots for your personal, Insta or Facebook page. We welcome anyone to photograph or film at our event for PERSONAL use only before and after the testing session from the sidelines, so there is to be NO USE of any use of mobile phones during the testing sessions. We DO NOT accredit anyone other than limited official media. So please, come along, enjoy the event and perhaps have spectators on the sidelines take shots for you. We will have our Geelong Cats photographers there and you may be photographed or recorded participating and see this feature on our Geelong Cats social media!